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President Donald Trump celebrated America’s 250th anniversary with a Fourth of July address on the National Mall on Saturday night, praising the nation’s history, honoring veterans and declaring that the United States’ best days remain ahead.
The president delivered his remarks shortly after 11 p.m. EDT after severe weather delayed the event by more than an hour. Despite the postponement, he said nothing would prevent the celebration from taking place.
“Tonight we come together for one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time,” he said. “For two and a half centuries, our American Republic has stood as the crowning achievement of human history.
“This country is the home of freedom. This is the land of liberty. And this is a flag that’s the banner of the most extraordinary, most exceptional, most incredible nation ever to exist on the face of the Earth.”
President Trump said Americans have demonstrated unmatched courage and achievement throughout the nation’s history.
“For 250 years, the United States of America has been the hope, the promise, the light and the glory among all of the nations of the world, all over the world, they try and be like us,” Trump said.
The president devoted much of his speech to honoring American veterans, inviting several to join him on stage as he recounted their military service. Among those recognized were 104-year-old Ken Schrubing, who survived the attack on Attack on Pearl Harbor at age 19, and 101-year-old Don Graves, who fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima.
“These are the fighters and the banners of the Greatest Generation,” President Trump said. “They are the greatest generation. They saved the world and they made America very, very proud. We’re very proud of you, heroes all.”
President Trump also honored Marine Cpl. Pat Finn and Pfc. Rudy Meekins, who served during the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, along with Harrison Schmitt, the last American to walk on the moon, and the Artemis II flight crew. Eleven Gold Star families were presented with American flags during the ceremony.